In a move aimed at turning the company into a truly global business, Alliance Boots has struck a partnership with US pharmacy Walgreens. Initially Walgreens will invest $6.7bn in cash and stock, which will give the company a 45% stake in Alliance Boots. The deal is planned to go through by September 2012, with an option for Walgreens to buy the remaining 55% in three years' time.

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UK towns participating in Mary Portas's TV series to showcase government investment in the regeneration of high streets have been asked to sign contracts ensuring social media silence over the period of filming. In contrast, in Ireland social media is playing a key role in community regeneration.

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An F&F concept store in London's Covent Garden that was open for just four days is a positive step toward raising the profile of the brand and helping to change consumer perceptions of Tesco's clothing offer. Launching a pop-up store as a multichannel destination makes browsing collections fun and creates a new experience for shoppers, while it also hints at a new way to shop in the future.

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Halfords had a difficult 2011/12 as revenue declined, and the start of 2012/13 looks bleak with disappointing sales. This has especially been the case in cycling, Halfords' only growing retail division last year. It has announced a new objective to be "the best bike shop in town"; however, intense competition on range and price mean that it will struggle to capture the UK's broad cycling tastes.

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The UK Consumer Price Index eased in April, standing at 3.0% compared to the 3.5% recorded in March. While this is a step in the right direction, essential items such as fuel and food remain highly inflationary and earnings growth is low. Consumers will see no real benefit from the lower inflation rate, budgets will remain under substantial pressure, and spending will continue to be restricted.

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Greggs has had a difficult start to 2012, with like-for-like sales hit by bad weather and weak consumer spending. The retailer is pinning its hopes on the Olympics and the Jubilee, but faces controversial legislation set to add VAT to many of its goods. Rather than opposing the proposed tax, it would be wise to plan how it will phase in the inevitable price increases over the coming months.

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Reports in the press that Marks & Spencer will benefit from the rising number of older consumers are based on a dangerous assumption. Although the retailer currently has a high share of the older age groups, it is far too simplistic to assume that this trend will continue.

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After years of legal wrangling, the UK High Court has ruled that The Pirate Bay infringes copyright, and has ordered a group of major Internet service providers to prevent their users from accessing the site. However, many games, music, and video retailers will be wondering what, if any, effect this will have on them.

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Electricals retailer Dixons has revealed that its suppliers are offering traditional retailers improved terms compared to pureplay internet operations, in return for showcasing their products in-store. This is the latest in a series of events in which suppliers appear to have recognized the need to prioritize and protect the physical retail channel.

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Among the plethora of statistics given to analysts by N Brown executives at its trading announcement was the staggering growth of its mobile traffic. It has risen to 14% from 4% of all e-commerce traffic, and the retailer now expects this to rise to 22% by the end of 2012. These mobile customers are not just browsing either, as N Brown is making sales of GBP1m a week from m-commerce.